The Charlton women’s team are pleased to confirm Grace Coombs and Georgia Griffin have signed new contracts to stay with the club, as we begin planning for next season in the FA Women’s Championship.

“All the girls are relishing the chance to test themselves against the better teams,”

Grace Coombs

Vice-captain Coombs has racked up over 200 appearances for the women’s team, while Griffin joined from Southend’s under 18s at the start of last season. Griffin, who turned 18 just nine days ago, topped off a breakthrough first campaign in senior football by netting the goal that won the Addicks the FA Women’s Premier League Championship Play Off.

Coombs says re-signing “wasn’t a very difficult decision because I love being at the club”. “Last season was one of my most enjoyable seasons I’ve had here,” she added.

“We all worked so hard. We have come so close in other seasons but we really stepped up and achieved what we set out to do by winning the league and the play off final. It was an unbelievable feeling that I still can’t really put into words and leading the team out towards the end of the season was a real honour.”

Now, the centre back is looking forward to the challenge that competing at a higher level, and playing the likes of Manchester United and Doncaster Rovers Belles, will bring. “All the girls are relishing the chance to test themselves against the better teams,” Coombs continued.

“There are a few new teams that we haven’t played before together with some teams we haven’t faced for a few years so those new challenges are exciting.

“It’s going to be the first season for a while we won’t be expected to win the league so we can go out in every game without any pressure to play with freedom and show team what we can do.”

As one of the more senior players and having come through the club’s centre of excellence system, Coombs is well placed to see things from Griffin’s point of view. And she’s been impressed. “Georgia has done really well this season by making the transition from youth football to the first team,” Coombs says.

“A few of the girls have been in the position of being young and trying to break into the first team so I think we tried to look after her and help to guide her through it.”

Having signed up for the club’s development team trials, which are beginning on Thursday for the forthcoming season’s intake, Griffin initially began her career with Charlton in Luke Brown’s squad. However, she quickly received the call from Head Coach Riteesh Mishra and didn’t look back, netting 15 goals in 28 appearances.

Coombs added: “She’s worked really hard and scored some vital goals in some big games such as the play off final. But overall this year has been a huge team effort and every player has played their part.”